Three
by Phantogram
  • Record Label: Republic
  • Release Date: Oct 7, 2016
User Score
7.2

Generally favorable reviews- based on 33 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 23 out of 33
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 33
  3. Negative: 5 out of 33
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  1. froggi3
    Nov 18, 2020
    9
    This definitely feels like Phantogram's most "accessible" record, but that doesn't mean its bad; "Funeral Pyre" is one of my favorite opening tracks of all time. While its a little more pop sounding than their previous work, it's still very uniquely Phantogram. They continue their creative use of samples and dark tones, it's just wrapped in a brighter exterior. This is mirrored by theThis definitely feels like Phantogram's most "accessible" record, but that doesn't mean its bad; "Funeral Pyre" is one of my favorite opening tracks of all time. While its a little more pop sounding than their previous work, it's still very uniquely Phantogram. They continue their creative use of samples and dark tones, it's just wrapped in a brighter exterior. This is mirrored by the album art, with the massive funeral pyre surrounded by a bright white border. Sarah's voice is as spectacular as ever, as are Josh's beats. While it's not my favorite Phantogram album, it's a very solid piece of art.… Expand
  2. Blakebcb123
    Oct 19, 2016
    9
    Such a solid album. "You're Mine" deserves radio airplay. Quieter songs like "Answer", "Funeral Pyre", and "Destroyer" do what they do amazing. "Barking Dog" is meh but I guess it fits as a interlude. As for the singles they are all very good.
  3. Tom_Bombadil
    Oct 14, 2016
    6
    Kind of a step backwards from their last one, isn't it? Not like it's a big step; not like the result is unlistenable, but it's still easy to notice that nothing on this record is as menacing as any of the highlights of Voices. It's a more accessible record with some very overtly "poppy" songs, but the beats are still nicely produced and Sarah Barthel sings like an heroine addict at theKind of a step backwards from their last one, isn't it? Not like it's a big step; not like the result is unlistenable, but it's still easy to notice that nothing on this record is as menacing as any of the highlights of Voices. It's a more accessible record with some very overtly "poppy" songs, but the beats are still nicely produced and Sarah Barthel sings like an heroine addict at the point of breaking down (that's good). Shame it feels tired. I guess we should have known in advance that the same tactics wouldn't work forever.… Collapse
  4. longjetty7
    Oct 9, 2016
    8
    I'm so glad to have more Phantogram in my life! Everything I love about their music is on full display in Three. The layered textures, edgy sound, high-energy beats, and hook-laden melodies are all present, which is great. Funeral Pyre and Calling All bookend the album wonderfully and showcase just how great of songwriters this duo is. When they are on their A-game, their music isI'm so glad to have more Phantogram in my life! Everything I love about their music is on full display in Three. The layered textures, edgy sound, high-energy beats, and hook-laden melodies are all present, which is great. Funeral Pyre and Calling All bookend the album wonderfully and showcase just how great of songwriters this duo is. When they are on their A-game, their music is seriously some of the best I've ever heard.

    Three is a somewhat shorter album with only 10 tracks, and I'd say there are 4 fantastic songs, 3 good songs, and 3 songs I'm not too crazy about. It would be nice to have a bit more material here, partly because I like their music a lot, but also because the songs have pretty varied styles, so having a few more tracks might make the transitions flow more nicely.

    Overall I'd give this a 7.5/10, and I'll round up to an 8.

    Standout tracks: Funeral Pyre, Same Old Blues, Destroyer, Calling All    … Expand
  5. Uberbob
    Oct 7, 2016
    10
    Phantogram is displaying a level of maturity and diversity not seen in their previous albums (which says a lot, since previous albums were great as well).

    The overall musical range incorporates 80s synth, indy-pop, hip-hop, techno of several stripes, alt, and a tiny splash of folk. Sarah Barthel's amazing vocals are spot on, as usual, Writing from both Sarah and Josh Carter have    Phantogram is displaying a level of maturity and diversity not seen in their previous albums (which says a lot, since previous albums were great as well).

    The overall musical range incorporates 80s synth, indy-pop, hip-hop, techno of several stripes, alt, and a tiny splash of folk.

    Sarah Barthel's amazing vocals are spot on, as usual,

    Writing from both Sarah and Josh Carter have just become a pleasant expectation with each album. It's a new bar for artists to achieve and I hope their peers follow suite. We could do with more original artists that don't all share the same song writer.

    It is a great recipe for an incredible album.    … Expand

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
64

Generally favorable reviews - based on 13 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 13
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 13
  3. Negative: 0 out of 13
  1. Austin Chronicle
    Nov 3, 2016
    50
    Not without failings, such as the power ballad "Destroyer," the lower points temper the album's explosiveness.
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  2. musicOMH.com
    Oct 24, 2016
    70
    Three wears its scars where they’re visible, at times this makes for an uncomfortable and uneven listen, but when it clicks, they’re unstoppable.
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  3. Pretty Much Amazing
    Oct 14, 2016
    75
    Three is perhaps Phantogram’s most incisive record yet, sustaining a very solid and concrete idea of what kind of pop it wants to promote.
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